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Is UV from the sun the same as the ultraviolet light used in our sanitation systems?

UV from the sun is not the same as the UV used in our ultraviolet sanitation system. There are basically 3 types of UV rays. First, UV-A make up most of the sun’s natural light. They can penetrate deep into the skin, causing wrinkles and premature aging of the skin. UV-B rays are the main cause of sunburn. They are nearly 1,000 times stronger than UV-A rays.

Finally, UV-C rays never reach the earth’s surface because the atmosphere filters them out. However, this is the rays we use as germicidal UV to sanitize your pools and spas. The most effective wavelength for disinfection is 264 nm.